Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Today is Candlemas and at mass today at the blessing of the candles you will hear the following:
Dear brothers and sisters, forty days have passed since we celebrated the joyful feast of the Nativity of the Lord. Today is the blessed day when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple. Outwardly he was fulfilling the Law, but in relation he was coming to meet his believing people. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the Temple. Enlightened by the same Spirit,
they recognized the Lord and confessed him with exultation. “So let us also, gathered together by the Holy Spirit, proceed to the house of God to encounter Christ. There we shall find him and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, until he comes again, revealed in glory” (Roman Missal).
We should be like Simeon and Anna and with exultation proclaim the true light in our lives and in our hearts! Yes, this is easier said than done, but in a world that is surrounded by darkness, we need to defeat Satan and spread the light of Christ everywhere and to everyone we meet! Traditionally this feast ends the Christmas season in the old calendar. I pray that the infant Christ who was presented in the temple this day and given the name Jesus may be imprinted in your hearts, and that you may spread his message… and if necessary use words!
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections